Home Remedies for Under-Eye Bags

Eventually all of us deal with under-eye bags. No matter your age or gender, there's a solid chance that a busy schedule and inconsistent sleep habits will have you seeing under-eye bags in no time. While many products on the market promise to keep the problem at bay, some home remedies are just as effective and far easier on your bank account.

Types

Under-eye bags are typically noted as deep sagging directly beneath the eyes. They can be light or dark, and sometimes puffy. The bags emerge when too much fluid gathers under the eyes. As you age, under-eye bags can have a crepe-like texture to them, making it difficult to cover them with makeup. There are many reasons one may suffer from under-eye bags. This can stem from a poor diet, bad sleep habits, excessive sun, allergies, genetics or an illness. Straining your eyes when looking at the computer monitor, or other activities such as sewing or reading, can result in under-eye bags.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that under-eye bags only occur in old age. The most common reason people have under-eye bags is because of inconsistent sleep regimens, which leaves them tired. People as young as their late teens can suffer from under-eye bags. The only difference is that the under-eye bags of a young person may come and go, if the young person changes his sleeping habits, while a more mature person may consistently have under-eye bags, regardless of her sleep routine.

Cucumbers

The most common home remedy for under-eye circles is raw, chilled cucumbers. Slice cucumbers into small pieces, and chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Remove the cucumbers and set them on the eyes. Apply them directly beneath the eyes, on the under-eye bags or over your closed eyes (as you've probably seen on television). Relax and allow yourself 10 to 15 minutes of quiet time. Take the cucumbers away, and the cooling effect will reduce puffiness and tone down any darkness under the eyes.

Potatoes

Potatoes have catecholase, which is used in some lightening creams. This ingredient can be used to reduce under-eye bags. Used the same way you would use cucumbers, potatoes are known for reducing puffiness in the eyes and temporarily toning down under-eye bags. Slice a potato into discs and reserve two pieces. Sprinkle a little water on the eyes and then apply the potato slices directly to the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and dry off skin.

Sleep

It sounds simple, but the best home remedy for reducing under-eye bags regardless of your age, is to get more sleep. Ideally, you should have 8 hours of sleep a night, and don't be shy when it comes to power naps. If you get home in the evening from school or work and find yourself wiped out, set your alarm and take a nap for half an hour. You'll still be able to sleep when it's bedtime, but that extra rest will allow you to be at your full potential for evening activities such as dinner, homework or any assignments you have to work on.